Death of Maude Bingham.
"Leaves have their time to fall.
And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath,
And stars to set; but all
Thou hast all season's for thine own, O, Death!"

Death is to the world of men the uncertain certainty. Though we are sure that he will come to all, yet in the unexpected hour he often calls away the souls of men. Only too often does he summon those who have before them the brightest hopes and promises of life.

So it was in the case of the death of Maude Bingham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bingham. A young woman of apparently perfect health and promise, of only seventeen years, to whom the wide world was only just opening itself as a life of opportunity, she withered in her bloom as a flower smitten by a fierce sun. The illness before which she weakened was of only a fortnight's duration, and the whole community was shocked by the tidings of her death. All that could be done was done to overcome the disease which fastened itself upon her, but without avail. Friends by the score were extending helpful hands. All were anxious, yet none realized the extreme seriousness of the case. Last Saturday she sank into unconsciousness from which she did not rally, and passed away early Sunday morning. Her going was like "A death-like sleep, A gentle wafting to immortal life."

A sadness has reigned over this city and community where the deceased was born and raised and in which her father's family were among the earliest settlers. Her education was in the public schools and she was prominent in the society of the young men and women of the city, in which she will be greatly missed. She was possessed of rare charm and beauty, of inspiring vivacity and influence. Her cheerful soul beamed its brightness blessedly.

The funeral was the largest ever conducted in Manning. Fully 700 were in attendance, including many from neighboring towns. The services were held in the Methodist church. Rev. Alexander Bennett, the pastor, was in charge and talked about the shortness of our time in this world in which to make the most of ourselves. The discourse, music, decorations, all were appropriate amid exceptionally graceful. A rich floral wreath, by the many young lady friends, and a beautiful bouquet by the Methodist ladies, were floral tributes expressive of esteem and love. Interment was in the Manning Cemetery.

In the grief of the family the whole community joins sympathetically. The memory of this bright young life will be long cherished.

Lines on the Death of Miss Maude Bingham,
The day without a cloud has passed,
And thou wert lovely to the last;
Extinguished, not decayed; as stars that shoot along the sky
Shine brightest as they fall from high."
So thinks a friend of the one called home,
Whose spiritless form now rests in the tomb;
Beautiful, beloved, a friend to all,
In the bloom of youth has answered the call.
"Whom God loves die young," was said of yore.
They escape the death of friends,
And what slays even more,
The death of friendship, youth, love, all that is.
Death comes at last to those that longest live.
The angel's message,
Perhaps an early grave,
Which men weep over, may be meant to save.
F.W.